About Ag Transfer
Ag Transfer LLC operates agricultural container transloading facilities in Minneapolis, MN, Elwood, IL, and Charleston, SC. Our facilities receive bulk commodities that are transloaded into shipping containers for export.
The Elwood facility specializes in truck‑to‑container grain transloading using pits, conveyors, augers, and container loading equipment. Operations run in a fast‑paced industrial environment where safety, equipment reliability, and operational discipline are critical.
Position Overview
Ag Transfer is seeking an experienced Facility Manager to lead the Elwood operation and team that includes 15-20 yard drivers, transload equipment operators, CDL drivers and a mechanic shop. This role has full responsibility for the daily execution of facility operations, including staff leadership, equipment reliability, fleet oversight, safety compliance, and operational performance. The typical schedule is Mon-Fri, starting around 6:00am, averaging 45-50 hours per week with flexibility for working 50-60 hours a week with limited weekends when production levels or special situations require. The Facility Manager reports directly to the President of the Company.
This is a great opportunity for a hands‑on leader who is excited to lead a team in a fast-paced, dynamic operation that takes a high level of problem solving. This role is best suited for a strong operator with management experience, familiarity with grain handling or bulk material handling systems, mechanical aptitude, diesel engine experience, heavy equipment experience. Must be self-motivated with a positive attitude. Problem solving in this industry is team oriented, working with logistics personnel and senior managers to deliver the best outcomes.
Core Responsibilities
MANAGEMENT/LEADERSHIP
- Direct daily operations of the grain transloading facility overseeing workflow efficiency, quality control, and production goals.
- Supervise and develop facility staff of 15-20 including CDL drivers, mechanics, office and yard personnel.
- Hire and train new employees; assist HR with onboarding; monitor and assess staff performance including discipline, write ups, reviews and promotions.
- Understand and enforce workplace standards and policies with a focus on safety and OSHA; ensure safety with ongoing training, leading regular safety meetings, and completing specific equipment training.
- Establish clear accountability across roles as well as develop staff with cross-training and team building.
- Help manage vendors and customer relationships.
- Coordinate with logistics staff to execute container loading schedules and drayage operations.
- Work closely with owners/leadership to learn, develop and implement operational goals and growth planning.
OPERATIONS
- Develop understanding of transloading operations and execute daily production plans for the team to successfully meet container loading targets and shipment schedules.
- Maintain a safe working environment with operation oversight and team engagement as well as keen attention on OSHA and safety compliance.
- Oversee facility cleaning plans, preventative maintenance programs, and yard inspections.
- Build a strong operational culture focused on safety, accountability, productivity and team mentality; identify inefficiencies and drive continuous improvement.
- Maintain operational visibility into equipment status, fleet health, and production performance.
MECHANICAL & SAFETY APTITUDE
- Strong mechanical aptitude. Apply hands-on effort to maintain, troubleshoot or repair equipment and systems. Utilize facility mechanic and other experienced managers within the company to get consensus solving complex issues.
- Willingness to work alongside all teams when needed to help meet daily workloads.
- Experience as a CDL Driver or equipment operator desired.
- Use knowledge of DOT compliance standards and equipment operation to train staff and ensure safety compliance.
- Diesel mechanic experience highly preferred with ability to assist on purchasing/selling equipment.
Required Skills and Experience
- Minimum 5 -10 years of operations and staff management experience, ideally in an industrial, agricultural, logistics, or transloading environment.
- Proven experience leading successful operations, motivating staff, and working alongside staff. Able to enforce operational standards and maintain accountability across teams.
- Strong knowledge of safety standards, training requirements, OSHA standards applicable to all areas of operations.
- Experience managing diesel truck fleets, heavy equipment, and preventative maintenance programs.
- Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills with a willingness to take direction from management along with a desire for personal growth and development.
- Demonstration of strong skills for project management, conflict resolution, customer service, and confidentiality; strong computer skills (MS Office), reporting, and documentation.
- Able to operate and troubleshoot grain handling equipment such as pits, augers, conveyors, or similar bulk material handling systems strongly preferred.
- College degree highly preferred.
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in an outdoor industrial environment in all weather conditions.
- Ability to climb ladders and access loading equipment safely.
- Ability to lift 50+ pounds.
- Ability to walk, stand, and move throughout the facility during the workday.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary (exempt full-time): $100,000 – $125,000 depending on experience
- PTO & paid holidays
- Medical and Dental plans, eligible after 1 full month, with plan options at no or low monthly enrollment cost
- 401k plan with company match
- Eligible for annual Profit Sharing
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Referral program
Application Question(s):
- Name your top 3 skills that align with the position requirements:
- Briefly describe what types of operations or production environment you have managed:
Experience:
- Diesel Engine or Equipment Operation/Repair: 3 years (Preferred)
- Management or Facility Operations: 5 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Elwood, IL 60421 (Required)
Work Location: In person
